Madrid & Secrets of the Douro 2019(Madrid to Porto)

Save an additional $250 per couple off this cruise. This deal is combinable with other offers. Expires December 31. Click here for eligible departures.

Offers subject to change or withdrawal, availability
is limited. Some discounts are not combinable.

River Cruise Itinerary

Day 1 Arrival Madrid
Welcome to Spain’s capital, the enchanting Madrid. Many say that no other city on earth is more alive than Madrid, an enticing place full of sheer energy. Included is a two-night stay in Madrid. (Dinner)

Day 2 Madrid
This morning, join your tour director for a vibrant city tour of Madrid, including the Sabatini gardens, Plaza Mayor, Market, Austrian quarter, Gran Via. The rest of the day is at your leisure to continue exploring. (Breakfast)

Day 3 Madrid - Porto Embarkation
Today you will be transferred to the airport for your flights to Porto. A warm welcome awaits you from your Captain and crew as you board your Emerald Waterways luxury river cruise ship. This evening, join your fellow travellers for welcome dinner. (Breakfast, Dinner)

EmeraldPLUS: Sunset Cruise Through Porto

Day 4 Porto – Pinhão
Today, enjoy a full day sailing the windy turns and twists of the Douro Valley. A UNESCO world heritage site this area is sparsely populated by small quaint villages and typical communities working vineyards and small farms. In the afternoon, your Cruise Director will host a lecture on board showcasing the history and wine culture of the region. Later, arrive in the village of Pinhão which is situated on a river bend surrounded by terraced hillsides producing some of the world’s best Port. Tonight, your captain will be delighted to host the welcome dinner and cocktail reception. (Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner)

EmeraldPLUS: Cooking Demonstration on Board

EmeraldACTIVE: Yoga Lesson on Board

Day 5 Pinhao - Vega de Terrón
Begin your day with a visit to a beautiful Quinta vineyard in the heart of the Douro Valley. Alternatively, join the EmeraldACTIVE walk through the vineyards. Later, sail to Vega de Terrón, your gateway into Spain. (Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner)

EmeraldACTIVE: Guided Walk through Vineyards

EmeraldPLUS: Cocktail Lesson on board

Day 6 Salamanca
Founded in Roman times, the city of Salamanca is home to one of the oldest universities in Europe, the seat of the Spanish language, and still a lively student town. Board your coach this morning in Vega de Terrón and travel to this beautiful golden city for a guided walking tour passing through its grand squares and medieval structures, where you will feel like stepping back in time. Tapas bars feature on every street and traditional Spanish music trickles out of buzzing bars and restaurants. You will also have plenty of free time to explore independently before returning to the ship later this afternoon. (Breakfast, Dinner)

EmeraldPLUS: Local Entertainment

Day 7 Pocinho
This morning, arrive in Pocinho and either embark on an excursion to the Côa Valley Museum or take part on the Emerald Active canoeing experience. The Côa Valley Museum is a concrete structure that details pre-historic stone carvings made by the early inhabitants of the Douro, which were uncovered during the construction of the nearby dam. Later return to your ship for lunch and enjoy your idyllic surroundings as you sail towards Régua. (Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner)

EmeraldACTIVE: Guided Canoeing Experience

EmeraldACTIVE: Yoga Lesson on Board

EmeraldPLUS: This evening your highlight dinner will be hosted at a traditional rural wine estate in the Régua area

Day 8 Régua
Today you will have a choice to visit the marvelous baroque village of Lamego and the picturesque Our Lady of Remedies Sanctuary where history stands still. As part of your EmeraldACTIVE feature, walk up the stairs of the Our Lady of Remedies Sanctuary. (Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner)

Day 9 Porto
Located at the mouth of the Douro River, Porto is a fascinating eclectic mix of modern and ancient architecture. Enjoy your city tour passing by numerous landmarks of this beautiful city. (Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner)

EmeraldACTIVE: Guided Active Walking Tour

DiscoverMORE: Visit to Guimarães (extra expense)

Day 10 Porto Disembarkation
After breakfast disembark your river cruise ship and transfer to Porto airport for your onward or homebound flight. (Breakfast)

Tour Map

All This Included

22 meals including 9 Breakfasts, 5 Lunches and 8 Dinners

Boutique contemporary hotel feel, with spectacular on board heated pool, cinema, spa and lounge (Emerald Radiance Star-Ship pool is located on the sun deck and the Cinema is not available.)

Spacious, comfortable accommodations you'll want to spend time in, with panoramic suites and staterooms, and innovative open-air system for cabins on the Vista and Horizon decks

Gourmet all-included on board meals and highlight dinner events, al-fresco on The Terrace or in the well-appointed Reflections Restaurant

Enjoy in depth cultural experiences with EmeraldPLUS excursions; cheese and olive tasting or Provencal dinner on board hosted by a local chef

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The prices shown are U.S. dollars per person, based on double occupancy, and subject to availability. Prices quoted for land/cruise arrangements are subject to increase without notice. Once we have received your deposit, land/cruise prices are guaranteed. Air prices quoted via phone or email are subject to increase and are guaranteed only from the time that full payment is received. Also, air prices or air promotions mentioned on this site or on the phone do not include baggage fees imposed by airlines. Sorry, we are unable to offer air from countries other than the U.S. However, for those international customers who are able to arrange their own transportation to the trip origination city, we are able to offer the land/cruise portion of the package at the price quoted.